This year also marks the 40th Anniversary of US Youth Soccer, founded in 1974 with around 100,000 players. The 40 Days to Play Soccer for a Change is in honor of the anniversary.

"Each year US Youth Soccer looks forward to spearheading the Youth Soccer Month initiative. We take great pride in promoting the benefits of playing this wonderful sport, including fun, family, friendship and fitness," said John Sutter, president of US Youth Soccer. "The celebration furthers US Youth Soccer's mission to foster the physical, mental and emotional growth and development of America's youth through the sport of soccer at all levels of age and competition. This year’s celebration is unique with the opportunities to raise money to offset the costs of playing soccer and help those in underserved areas with more chances to play and be active."

Merck Consumer Care’s Active Family Project has partnered with US Youth Soccer to encourage families to Play For A Change this September. The program promotes being active together as a family through soccer, while also making a positive change in the lives of those less fortunate. To celebrate Youth Soccer Month, the Active Family Project will donate up to $15,000 to US Youth Soccer to go toward soccer equipment and training in underserved communities by donating a $1 for every like, comment or share on the Active Family Project Facebook page from August 19 through September 30, 2014.

US Youth Soccer is partnering with Athlete.com, an innovative social fundraising platform, to provide a fun, active and effective way to raise money to offset the costs to participate in youth soccer. Players, coaches and administrators can participate by creating a free account and tracking their running, walking, biking or other exercise through the per-mile fundraisers. In addition to raising money for their own costs, 5 percent of every dollar raised will go to support US Youth Soccer’s efforts to expand soccer in underserved communities through programs like Soccer Across America.

“Soccer brings families together in a fun environment and this year, Youth Soccer Month hopes to provide new ways for people to engage and ultimately grow the sport in underserved communities,” said Todd Roby, director of marketing and communications for US Youth Soccer. “All are encouraged to join the celebration of Youth Soccer Month and see what we can do together to increase the number of people enjoying our game and furthering their own health and enjoyment.”

Throughout the month, in addition to promoting the benefits of being active through youth soccer, several chances to win soccer-related prizes will be available online. From ways to help grow the game to the annual Ball-A-Day Giveaway; follow the celebration online using #YSM2014. You’ll have a chance to win the Back-to-School, Back-to-Soccer backpack kit, Nike soccer balls autographed by Mia Hamm, coach kits and more.

Each week during Youth Soccer Month will focus on a different message celebrating soccer. The four messages of Youth Soccer month are:

Fun: (Week of Sept. 1)

Whether recreational or competitive in nature, involvement in soccer is easy, affordable and rewarding.

Family: (Week of Sept. 8)

Playing soccer ties families together as schedules, vacations and family time are coordinated.

Friendship: (Week of Sept. 15)

The relationships generated through playing soccer extend beyond the field.

Fitness: (Week of Sept. 22)

The health and fitness (physical, psychological and social) benefits of playing soccer.

Youth Soccer Month 2014 includes working with local leadership to organize grassroots public affairs campaigns, numerous local events and media relations initiatives. To kick off the fun, US Youth Soccer has set apart the first Wednesday, Sept. 3, to hold the third annual Street Soccer Day. To participate, organize a time and place for players to come and play pick-up games. Several college events are scheduled, where spectators will receive Youth Soccer Month hand fans, T-shirts, and Youth Soccer Month banners as they cheer on their team.